By Ono Yima
Nigerian entertainer and activist, Charles Oputa—popularly known as CharlyBoy—has issued an emotional appeal to Nigerians to rally support for ailing Nollywood veteran, Tom Njemanze, who is currently battling prostate cancer.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja, CharlyBoy confirmed that Njemanze, a beloved face in classic Nigerian films such as Issakaba and Osuofia in London, is in urgent need of life-saving surgery.
“Our Nollywood icon Tom Njemanze is on a hospital bed fighting for his life,” CharlyBoy said. “Prostate complications are draining him, and he needs urgent surgery that costs millions.”
He lamented the recurring plight of Nigerian entertainers who fall on hard times after giving the public years of entertainment.
“How many more legends must we lose before we start showing up for our own?” he asked. “This isn’t just about Tom. It’s about the value we place on those who gave us joy, laughter, and unforgettable stories.”
CharlyBoy, also known as “Area Fada,” said the CharlyBoy Foundation has launched a fundraising campaign to save the ailing actor. He urged fans, colleagues, and all Nigerians to act now before it’s too late.
“Let’s not wait for RIP hashtags,” he pleaded. “Donate whatever you can. Nothing is too small.”
Njemanze had recently appeared in a viral video from his hospital bed, calling for public support as he undergoes treatment.
Beyond the urgent call for help, CharlyBoy also used the opportunity to highlight the ongoing health crisis among Nigerian men. A survivor of prostate cancer himself, the activist said his foundation is leading a nationwide awareness campaign to educate men on the importance of regular prostate screening.
“Too many men are dying in silence,” he said. “They don’t talk about their health, and it’s killing them. We want to change that narrative.”
The CharlyBoy Foundation’s men’s health initiative also covers mental wellness and diabetes awareness, with prostate health as a major focus.
Tom Njemanze’s health crisis has stirred concern within the entertainment industry, renewing conversations around healthcare support systems for aging and ailing artists in Nigeria.
As the campaign gathers momentum, CharlyBoy’s message is clear and heartfelt: “Let’s rise for Tom. Let’s save him while we still can.”
Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)